Philosophy chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What was the main idea proposed by philosophers like John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau?

A society based on freedom and equal laws and opportunities for all (correct)

A society with a strong centralized government

A society based on the divine right of the monarch

A society with a hierarchical system of privileges

What was Georges Danton's experience after completing his studies?

He was educated in a private college

He easily found a post at the law courts in Paris

He became active in revolutionary politics immediately

He was unable to find a post at the law courts in Paris (correct)

What was the system of government proposed by Montesquieu in The Spirit of the Laws?

A system based on the social contract

A system with a single powerful monarch

A system with a division of power between the legislative, executive, and judiciary (correct)

A system with a strong centralized government

What was the main cause of anger and protest against the system of privileges in France?

The news that Louis XVI planned to impose further taxes Signup and view all the answers

How did the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers spread among people?

Through books and newspapers, often read aloud in groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the main social inequality in the Old Regime?

A system of privileges based on social position Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the American Constitution for political thinkers in France?

It guaranteed individual rights and freedoms Signup and view all the answers

What was the context in which Georges Danton wrote to a friend in 1793?

After completing his studies and looking for a post Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Rammohan Roy's thoughts and ideas?

The French Revolution and the July Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What did Rammohan Roy insist on visiting at Cape Town?

Frigates flying the revolutionary tri-colour flag Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was an impact of the French Revolution?

The rise of newspapers Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the book 'Notes on the Bengal Renaissance'?

Susobhan Sarkar Signup and view all the answers

What was Rammohan Roy's reaction to the July Revolution?

He was excited and could think of nothing else Signup and view all the answers

What was the context of Rammohan Roy's visit to England?

He was on his way to England when he stopped at Cape Town Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a characteristic of Rammohan Roy?

He was a strong supporter of the French Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was a suggested activity in the chapter?

To write a short biography of a revolutionary figure Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the peasants and workers to participate in revolts against the increasing taxes and food scarcity?

They were seeking a change in the social and economic order Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups did not have access to education and new ideas?

Peasants and workers Signup and view all the answers

What was the main source of wealth for the emerging middle class in the 18th century?

Overseas trade and manufacture of goods Signup and view all the answers

What was the common belief among the educated middle class?

That no group in society should be privileged by birth Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the food scarcity and rising food prices?

Increased number of deaths and weaker bodies Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the lack of full-scale change in the social and economic order?

The peasants and workers lacked the means to bring about change Signup and view all the answers

What was the main characteristic of the emerging middle class in the 18th century?

They were educated and believed in equal opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of the revolts against the increasing taxes and food scarcity?

The maintenance of the status quo Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Emergence of New Ideas

The concept of social position being based on merit rather than birth was promoted by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Locke's Two Treatises of Government refuted the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch.
Rousseau proposed a form of government based on a social contract between people and their representatives.

The Influence of the American Constitution

The American Constitution, which guaranteed individual rights, was an important example for political thinkers in France.
The ideas of philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau were discussed intensively in salons and coffee-houses and spread among people through books and newspapers.

The Old Regime and the French Revolution

The news that Louis XVI planned to impose further taxes to meet the expenses of the state generated anger and protest against the system of privileges.
The French Revolution saw the rise of newspapers describing the events of each day and week.

The Emergence of the Middle Class

The eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of a growing middle class who earned their wealth through expanding overseas trade and manufacturing goods.
The middle class included merchants, manufacturers, lawyers, and administrative officials who were educated and believed that no group in society should be privileged by birth.

Response to Revolutionary Ideas

Individuals such as Tipu Sultan and Rammohan Roy were inspired by new ideas spreading through Europe during the French Revolution.
Rammohan Roy was excited by the July Revolution in France in 1830 and insisted on visiting frigates flying the revolutionary tri-colour flag.

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Discussing the social contract theory and its critics.